Musical instrument



Nov. 16 1926. 1,607,449

VF. C. EDWARDS MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 1 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet, 1

A IIC RNEY WITNESS:

Nov. 16 1926. v k I A F. C. EDWARDS MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 5 1925Z'SheetS-SheetQ Patented Nov. 16, 1926.

PATENT OFFECE.

,FENDA L c. nnwanns, ornnwronr News, VIRGINIA.

MUSICAL INSTRUTIIENT.

Application filed June 13, 1925. Serial No. 36,981.

This invention relates to improvements in musical instruments and hasfor an object the provision of an instrument which is capable ofproducing the tones ofa plurality of stringed instruments.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an instrument ofthis character in which the tones of one instrument may be quickly andeasily substituted for those of another instrument, so that in playing amusical selection, the tones of first one instrument and then anotherinstrument may be produced. 7

Another object of the invention is the provision of a musical instrumentwhich, in addition to the above and other advantageous features, may bearranged for playing after the manner of an ordinary instrument.

lVith the above and other objects in view, the invention furtherincludes the following novel features and details of construction, to behereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings Figure 1 is an elevation of a musical instrumentconstructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is an edge view of the same.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken substantially ontheline 33 of Figure 1. r V

Figure 4 is a fragmentary edge view partly broken away and illustratingthe connection between the instrument bodies.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like characters of referencedenote corre sponding parts, the instrument as shown comprises a bodywhich has extending therefrom a rigid neck 11. The body 10 is preferablyof the banjo type in that it includes a rim 12 and a vellum head 13, the

l latter being removably held in place as inmanner. The neck ispreferably fretted as shown, while suitable pegs 18 are provided fortuning the strings.

Pivotally secured to an extension 20 of the neck adjacent one end of thebody 10, as shown at 21, is a body 22 which is preferably constructedafter the manner of the usual guitar body. This body 22 is spaced fromthe body 10 and these bodies are connected at a point remote from thepivotal connection 21 by means of an arm 23. One end of a this arm issecured to the body 10 while the opposite end is provided with anelongated slot 24 for the passage of a set screw 25, the latter beingcarried by the guitar body 22.

Extendng from the guitar body toward 1 the banjo body 10 are spacedsound posts 26. The outer ends of these posts are spaced from the head13 of the banjo body and are normally held in such spaced relation bymeans of a spring 27 which is interposed behead and posts. Thus inplaying a musical selection, the sounds or tones of either a banjo orguitar may be produced at will. By means of the set screw 25, thebracket 23 may be clamped to the guitar head 22 so that relativemovement of the heads will be prevented. The instrument may then beplayed either as a banjo or guitar, according to the adjusted positionsof the heads.

The sound posts 26, may if desired, be provided with a cap 28 formed ofrubber or similar material. 7

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportionsand minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved tomake such changes as properly fall within the scope of the appendedclaims. Having described the invention what is claimed is 1. In astringed musical instrument, a body,v a neck, strings, a supplementalbody spaced from and parallel with the first men tioned body, meansassociating the bodies to permit relative movement, yieldable meansbody, a neck, strings, a supplemental body spaced from and parallel withthe first mentioned body, means connecting the bodies in a manner topermit relative'movement of said bodies, yieldable means to resistrelative inward movement of the bodies and means associated with thebodies and controlled by the relative positions of the latter to producetones of different character.

3. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck, strings, asupplemental body spaced from and parallel with the first mentionedbody, means associating the bodies to permit relative movement,yieldable means to resist relative inward movement of the bodies, meanscarried by one body and normally spaced from the other body to engagesaid other body when the latter is moved relatively inward, to producetones of difi'erent character and means to hold the bodies againstrelative movement.

4. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck, strings, asupplemental body spaced from and parallel with the first mentionedbody, means pivotally associating the bodies to permit relativemovement, yieldable means to resist relative inward movement of thebodies and means associated with the bodies and controlled by therelative positions of the latter to produce tones of differentcharacter.

5. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with the body,strings, a second body connected with the first mentioned body in amanner to permit relative movement of said bodies, yieldable means toforce the bodies apart and means associated with the bodies andcontrolled by the relative positions of the latter to produce tones ofdifferent character.

6. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with the body,strings, a second body having one end pivotally secured to the neckadjacent one end oi the first mentioned body, slidable means connectingthe other ends of the bodies, yieldable means to resist relative inwardmovement of said bodies and means associated with the 'bod'es andcontrolled by the relative positions of the latter to produce tones ofdiii'erent'character.

7. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with' thebody, strings, a second body associated with the first men tioned bodyto permit relative movement, yiellable means to force thev bodies apart,sound posts carried by one of the bodies and normally spaced from theother body to engage the latter when the bodies are moved relatively toproduce tones of different character.

8. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with the body,strings, a second body associated with the first mentioned body topermit relative movement, yieldable means to force the bodies apart,sound posts carried by one 01" the bodies and normally spaced from theother body to engage the latter when the bodies are moved relatively toprovide tones of different character and means to hold the posts inenageil or disengaged position.

In testimony whereof I afiiX my signature.

' FENDALL C. EDWARDS.

